“From Sir Edgar, ma’am, and he begs to be remembered to yourself and all of your amiable family.”

Mrs. Jarvis inclined her body, in what she intended for a graceful bend, and sighed—­a casual observer might have thought, with maternal anxiety for the reputation of her child—­but it was conjugal regret, that the political obstinacy of the alderman had prevented his carrying up an address, and thus becoming Sir Timothy.  Sir Edgar’s heir prevailed, and the captain received permission to do what he had done several hours before.

On leaving the room, after the first discussion, and before the appeal, the captain had hastened to his father with his concessions.  The old gentleman knew too well the influence of five hundred pounds to doubt the effect in the present in stance, and he had ordered his carriage for the excursion It came, and to the hall they proceeded.  The captain found his intended antagonist, and in a rather uncouth manner, he made the required concession.  He was restored to his former favor—­no great distinction—­and his visits to the hall were suffered, but with a dislike Emily could never conquer, nor at all times conceal.

Denbigh was occupied with a book, when Jarvis commenced his speech to the baronet and his daughter, and was apparently too much engaged with its contents, to understand what was going on, as the captain blundered through.  It was necessary, the captain saw by a glance of his father’s eyes, to say something to that gentleman, who had delicately withdrawn to a distant window.  His speech was consequently made here too, and Mrs. Wilson could not avoid stealing a look at them.  Denbigh smiled, and bowed in silence.  It is enough, thought the widow; the offence was not against him, it was against his Maker; he should not arrogate to himself, in any manner, the right to forgive, or to require apologies—­the whole is consistent.  The subject was never afterwards alluded to:  Denbigh appeared to have forgotten it; and Jane sighed gently, as she devoutly hoped the colonel was not a duellist.

Several days passed before the deanery ladies could sufficiently forgive the indignity their family had sustained, to resume the customary intercourse.  Like all other grievances, where the passions are chiefly interested, it was forgotten in time, however, and things were put in some measure on their former footing.  The death of Digby served to increase the horror of the Moseleys, and Jarvis himself felt rather uncomfortable, on more accounts than one, at the fatal termination of the unpleasant business.

Chatterton, who to his friends had not hesitated to avow his attachment to his cousin, but who had never proposed for her, as his present views and fortune were not, in his estimation, sufficient for her proper support, had pushed every interest he possessed, and left no steps unattempted an honorable man could resort to, to effect his object.  The desire to provide for his sisters had been backed by the ardor of a passion